A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder after a Canadian teenager died in a house in Essex.
Police have provisionally named the victim as Ashley Wadsworth, 19, from Vernon in British Columbia.
Jack Sepple, who lives in Tennyson Road, Chelmsford, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court today.
Officers were called to the address in Tennyson Road shortly after 4pm on Tuesday following reports of a disturbance.
Paramedics tried to save Ms Wadsworth but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The teenager’s friends having paying tribute to her on Facebook as police continue to investigate her death.
Tianna Kowalchuk wrote: “Probably one of the worst feelings is losing your best friend.
“A best friend is more than a boyfriend, a sibling and even a parent. A best friend is someone you can genuinely tell everything to. It’s someone you can tell about stuff that you may not even be able to tell your parents. It’s someone who will never judge you for needing to vent or rant about something that is bothering you. It’s someone you always feel comfortable around.
“I’m sorry there wasn’t more I or anyone else could do to help you. But God has you in his hands now, we have you in our hearts forever.”
MacKenzie Palm wrote: “I wish I could remind you one last time that I love you… you were my best friend, my family and my rock.
“I hope heaven is everything you read about in church and more, and Ashley just know, I love you.
“I promise I will do my best to take care of your family for you.”
Kaillah Dizon wrote: “Ashley was one of my best friends that I’ve met here in Canada. We lost a beautiful soul.
“There is no hurting, no suffering and no pain in Heaven anymore. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you nothing but comfort and strength.”
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, the senior investigating officer on the case, said in a statement: “I know that incidents like this will shock and sadden the community, but our initial enquiries show this to be an isolated incident and that there is no wider risk to the community.
“Currently, we are not looking for anyone else.
“We have a team of dedicated officers working around the clock to establish the circumstances which led to a woman losing her life.
“The investigation is progressing well, but we will remain on scene for a few more days whilst we continue to gather evidence and establish the facts.”
Ms Wadsworth’s family are being supported by specialist officers.
Those who can help the investigation are asked to submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the “Live Chat” button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm, quoting the crime incident number 717 of 1 February. You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.